Mealybugs on jade plant
What's Happening
Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) on jade plants cluster in leaf axils and stems, sucking sap and excreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold. Root mealybugs (Rhizoecus spp.) lay eggs in soil that hatch in 7-10 day cycles, making single treatments ineffective. Jade's thick, waxy leaves tolerate alcohol desiccation but soil-borne eggs require systemic intervention.
How to Fix It
- 1
Isolate plant immediately to prevent spread to other plants
- 2
Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol via q-tip spot treatment on visible bugs/eggs (avoid soil saturation)
- 3
Repot in fresh sterile succulent mix after rinsing roots gently to remove soil-borne eggs
- 4
Apply insecticidal soap (potassium salts of fatty acids) 3x per week for 2 weeks to hit crawler stage
- 5
Monitor every 3 days for 2-3 weeks; introduce systemic granules for persistent infestations
What You'll Need
How to Prevent It
Quarantine new plants 4 weeks with weekly root inspections; maintain bright indirect light (2000-5000 lux), water sparingly (soil fully dry between waterings), 60-75°F, low humidity (<50%) to deter pests; use neem oil prophylactically monthly during active growth.